Individual Differences Lesson 1

Defining and explaining abnormality Definitions of abnormality including DSM, Failure to function, deviation from ideal mental health, and their limitations. Key features of biological approach to psychopathology. Key features psychological approaches to psychopathology including the psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive approaches. Treating abnormality Biological therapies including Drugs &ECT Psychological therapies, psychoanalysis, systematic de sensitisation, and cognitive behaviour therapy.

 To understanding of the module objectives and how the unit is divided  Give two definitions of abnormality that of a deviation from the social norm, and a failure to function adequately.

What is abnormality??? Think about these topics to assist you. Society Crime and Deviance Culture Therapy

 Sending sane people into a mental hospital.  If we define peoples behaviour as normal then we presuppose we know what normal is. Example?  ‘normal’ patients gained admission into 12 hospitals all presented the same symptom of hearing voices. “Empty, Thud, Hollow”  They acted normally and co-operated, and maintained an imposter.  All but one received the diagnosis of Schizophrenia, and when discharged (in remission) SHOWING the impact of being diagnosed as abnormality.

1) Deviation from social norms - Behaviours considered undesirable by the majority of society. - Social norms is the standards of acceptable behaviour set by the social group. -not restricted to rules of etiquette but also more serious moral issues like sexual behaviour, DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) These include diagnosis of paedophilia, voyeurism under ‘sexual and gender identity disorders’.

1) Varies over time Such as ideals of homosexuality, Russia defining the state 50 years ago. 2) Subject to abuse Szasz (1974) The concept of mental illness simply a way to exclude non conformist. 3) Deviance is related to context and degree Wearing a bikini in a classroom. A clear line between eccentric and mental ill, social defiance itself cannot after a complete definition of abnormality.

3) Deviance is related to context and degree Wearing a bikini in a classroom. A clear line between eccentric and mental ill, social defiance itself cannot after a complete definition of abnormality. 4) Cultural relativism No universal standards of labelling as there are to many variables in differences of culture ‘Cultural Bound Syndromes’

2) Failure to function adequately Generally decisions about adequate function refer to normal daily activity. Eg: feeding, washing, going to work. Examples: depression not getting out of bed in the morning, or looking after your children.

1) Who judges? Everyone, Professionals, Patients 2)Adaptive of maladaptive? Some behaviours classed as abnormal can be seen as adaptive – eating's disorders, transvestite's. 3) Cultural relativism Eg - many explain why lower class non whites are more likely to be judged mentally ill, due to their life styles are non traditional and may lead to judgement of families to function adequately.